Monday, October 27, 2008

Dissemination (SIRC)- It's another break through for the Solomon Islands Red Cross' humanitarian work in the Solomon Islands when a combined team of First Aid and Dissemination programs held a training for about eleven Rove Correctional Institution inmates today.

According to Aloysious Erobaea (a local Red Cross First Aid instructor) the arrangement of that first ever training for inmates under the rehabilitation initiative of that Correctional institution has been welcomed by both the Red Cross and the inmates attending the two days training.

"Our goal is to prepare them to be self reliant when comes to work-related safety. This is a reason why we offer the training free as part of their rehabilitation.

"I on behalf of my colleagues we are thankful to the authority of the Rove Correctional Institution to have confidence in us to go that far and train the inmates in their cells. And we are looking forward for future trainings to that targeted group", he said.

At that same occasion, Mr. Oligao Niniu, the SIRC Dissemination officer highlighted to the inmates the Red Cross has an important role to play beyond giving information about its activities and fund raisings. It asks the targeted groups like youths, arm carriers, public authorities, and communities (including the inmates at Rove) to respect lives and dignity of the protected groups such as the civilians, inmates, sick and wounded enemies, Red Cross and medical personnel, and religious people, even at a point when darkness covers the human hearts during wars.

"So Iam here today to tell you that Red Cross is a symbol of humanity. It is a symbol of hope to protect those are not involved in fightings and those no longer fighting because of sickness and wounds. And it must be respected at all times", commented Mr. Niniu.

And the two days training will be completed tommorrow with a certificates presentation to the 11 inmates for their completion of the Red Cross First Aid training.

For more information; contact the Dissemination office, email: dissem_sirc@solomon.com.sb. Or First Aid Department on phone (677) 22682, SIRC Head Quarters, New Chinatown, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Brief Background of Solomon Islands Red Cross:Solomon Islands Red Cross Society, by the act of the National Parliament (a separate act from the Non Governmental Organizations Act) in 1983 established as an auxiliary (extra supporter) of the state dedicated to protecting human life and dignity in the Solomon Islands, thereby promoting lasting peace.

Hundreds of people in the Red Cross help those hurt by armed conflict, social disturbances, natural disasters, and other human tragedies. Victims around the country and region come to trust the people of the Red Cross to be there to provide important humanitarian services.

The people of the organization help anyone in urgent need. No regard is paid to political, racial, religious, or ideological differences. No point of view or person is favoured over another. Neither influence nor pressure will change these facts.

But the Solomon Islands Red Cross is more than a philosophy, or a historical institution. It is the part of a worldwide belief that human life and dignity are worthy of respect and protection from ravages of man and nature. It is a belief made real every day by the actions of skilled and trained people who are moved by a deep personal desire to help others without regard for their own material gain.

Red Cross members help people to prepare for, recover from, and, if possible, prevent the effects of tropical cyclones, floods, fires, sea level rise, diseases, or other disasters that threaten individuals or communities.They help people prevent and handle emergencies through Commercial and Community Based First Aid trainings and health skills. Where needed and possible, they save hundreds of lives by promoting reliable supply of blood. They also share the resources necessary to improve service to people throughout the Solomon Islands, regionally, and internationally. They give new direction in the lives of the disable children through special education to read and write in sign language. Today, disable children are our aspirations who contribute in making Solomon Islands a better place for humanity.

The financial support of individuals, business houses, donor friends, and governments makes this work possible.